The Effect of Low Power Laser in the Treatment of the Lateral Epicondylitis of Elbow

Lateral epicondylitis of the elbow is the most common contractile lesion of the elbow. It causes inflamation and pain at the origin of the wrist extensors muscles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of low power laser on the treatment of lateral epicondylitis of elbow. This double blinded clinical trial study was conducted in Fattemieh physiotherapy clinic of Rafsanjan. Fifty patients who were suffering from lateral epicondylitis of elbow were divided into two equal groups, randomly. One group received laser treatment and the other group was treated by placcbo. Intensity of local pain, radicular pain, sensitivity to palpation and grip strength were assessed in 1st, 5th and 10th sessions. Pain intensity and using grip strength were evaluated by Visual Analogue Scale and dynamometer respectively. Data were analysed using ANOVA, tuoky and chi-squire tests. Results showed that laser has been effective in reduction of local pain and in increasing of grip strength of lateral epicondylitis of elbow (p<0.0001). In 10th session, chi-squre test result revealed that low power laser can be effective in reduction of redicular pain and sensitivity to palpation of lateral epicondylitis of elbow (p<0.0001). This can be concluded that after 10th session, laser can be effective on reduction of local and redicular pain, improving of sensitivity to palpation and increasing of grip strength of lateral epicondylitis of elbow.